20 Best Air Rifle To Shoot Pigeons of 2026 For Quiet Pest Control

1

Crosman 1077 RepeatAir Semi-Automatic CO2-Powered .177-Caliber Pellet Air Gun, Black,

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  7.9
• Brand
  Crosman

Key specs2

Velocity Rating

Up to 780 fps

Action & Power Source

Powered by a 12-gram CO2 cartridge to fire .177 pellets in semi-automatic succession without manual cocking.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Semi-automatic repeating action allows rapid follow-up shots on skittish pigeons
• Rifled steel barrel delivers consistent .177 pellet placement at roosting distances
• Lightweight 3.7-pound build and compact dimensions reduce fatigue during overhead aiming
• All-weather synthetic stock resists moisture during outdoor barn and patio pest control

Cons

• Requires 12-gram CO2 cartridges that are not included in the box
• Rapid firing causes CO2 temperature cooldown and velocity drop
• Listed velocity tops out at 780 fps, which offers less impact than larger .22 rifles

2

KNINE OUTDOORS Resetting Shooting Target Airsoft Rimfire Pellet BB Gun

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  8.4
• Brand
  KNINE OUTDOORS

Key specs2

Caliber Compatibility

.177 and .22 caliber

Target Style

Auto-resetting steel paddle setup designed for airsoft, BB guns, rimfire, and pellet rifles.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Auto-resetting steel target mechanism eliminates tedious walks downrange to reset paddles
• Dual caliber rating supports both .177 and .22 caliber airgun pellets
• Compatible with airsoft, BB guns, and rimfire firearms for versatile practice sessions

Cons

• Standalone practice target that cannot dispatch pest birds on its own
• Frame dimensions and steel plate thickness are omitted from the listing

3

Crosman® 760 Pumpmaster® .177 Pellet / BB Pneumatic Pump Air

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  9.7
• Brand
  Crosman

Key specs2

Ammunition Versatility

Dual ammo: .177 pellets and BBs

Pumping Mechanism

Variable pneumatic pump allows shooters to adjust power by varying the number of pumps before firing.

Pros & cons33

Pros

• Dual-ammunition action fires both .177 pellets and steel BBs
• Variable pneumatic pump system lets you control velocity based on shooting distance
• Lightweight pneumatic profile handles easily around outbuildings and barns

Cons

• Manual multi-pump compression is required before every single round
• Pumping motion creates noise and movement that can spook perched pigeons
• Factory package lacks an optical scope for pinpoint vital-zone placement

4

Stoeger S3000-C Compact Airgun Combo - .177 Caliber - Black

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  8.7
• Brand
  Stoeger

Key specs2

Included Optics

4x32 scope included

Sight Configuration

Combines fiber-optic open sights with an included 4x32 scope on a compact synthetic stock.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Bundled 4x32 scope assists in identifying pigeon vitals high up in rafters
• Fiber-optic open sights provide immediate backup aiming in dim lighting
• Compact synthetic stock allows agile handling in cramped barns and sheds

Cons

• Caliber is restricted to .177 pellets rather than harder-hitting .22 rounds
• Velocity rating and cocking effort are not specified by the manufacturer

5

Ruger Explorer Youth Break Barrel .177 Caliber Pellet Gun Air

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  8.2
• Brand
  Umarex

Key specs2

Stock Sizing

Youth-proportioned

Operating Mechanism

Break-barrel single-shot design chambered in .177 caliber, sized for beginner handling.

Pros & cons33

Pros

• Break-barrel spring action requires no CO2 cylinders or external air pumps
• Youth-proportioned stock fits smaller frame shooters during pest practice
• Rifled .177 caliber barrel shoots standard pellets accurately

Cons

• Engineered as a youth training gun rather than a full-power pigeon dispatch tool
• Manufacturer does not provide muzzle velocity or energy ratings
• Single-shot mechanism slows down follow-up fire on multiple roosting birds

6

Atflbox Metal Eagle Reset Target, Air Rifle Animal Shooting Targets

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  8.5
• Brand
  Atflbox

Key specs2

Target Profile

Eagle silhouette

Caliber Compatibility

.177 and .22 caliber

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Eagle silhouette simulates bird-sized vital targets for precision aiming practice
• Automatic resetting design keeps training active without manual trips downrange
• Dual-rated for both .177 and .22 caliber air rifle pellets

Cons

• Shooting target accessory only and provides no pest management functionality
• Maximum pellet velocity rating and steel thickness are not stated

7

Crosman 760BKT Pump Master Variable Pump BB Repeater/Single Shot .177-Caliber

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  8.3
• Brand
  Crosman

Key specs2

Package Format

Starter kit bundle

Firing Options

Functions as a multi-shot BB repeater or single-shot .177 pellet rifle using variable pump compression.

Pros & cons33

Pros

• Starter kit bundle provides shooting gear in one convenient package
• Dual-fuel feeding fires BBs as a repeater or single-shot .177 pellets
• Variable pneumatic pump lets shooters adjust power output per shot

Cons

• Multi-pump operation slows reloads when targeting flocks of roosting pigeons
• Exact starter kit accessory contents are not detailed in the product data
• BB reservoir feed cannot deliver the rifled accuracy needed for clean headshots

8

Umarex Strikepoint .177 Caliber Pellet Airgun

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  7.6
• Brand
  Umarex

Key specs2

Platform Profile

.177 pneumatic pistol

Indoor & Barn Utility

Compact pump pistol configuration maneuvers cleanly inside rafters and tight outbuildings where long rifles struggle.

Pros & cons33

Pros

• Compact airgun pistol profile maneuvers easily under low eaves and tight trusses
• Dedicated .177 pellet chambering supports rifled accuracy for pest practice
• Multi-pump pneumatic power requires no CO2 cartridges or charging cylinders

Cons

• Pistol configuration lacks a shoulder stock for rock-steady overhead shooting
• Hand pumping between shots slows cycle times when targeting flighty birds
• Muzzle velocity and pump limits are unlisted and need verification

9

Crosman C3622SKT .22-Caliber PCP Air Rifle with Hand Pump

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  9.2
• Brand
  Crosman

Key specs2

Air Reservoir & Output

2000 psi, up to 25 shots

Charging Equipment

Includes a dedicated high-pressure hand pump to charge the 2000 psi cylinder without external scuba gear.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Included hand pump provides a complete PCP setup without requiring scuba gear
• Heavy .22 caliber pellets reach up to 700 fps for reliable pest penetration
• 2000 psi reservoir provides up to 25 shots per fill without pumping each shot
• Fully adjustable rear sight helps dial in precise zero on elevated roosts

Cons

• Total package weight is heavy at 11 pounds, making freehand hold tiring
• Single-shot bolt action requires manual loading between rounds
• Manual hand pumping to 2000 psi requires noticeable physical exertion

10

Atflbox 5 in 1 Pellet Gun Resetting Target, Heavy Metal

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  7.8
• Brand
  Atflbox

Key specs2

Spinning Mechanism

5-in-1 paddle array

Ammunition Rating

Rated for .177, .20, and .22 caliber airgun pellets along with standard BB shooting.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Five-paddle spinning array provides reactive movement without walking downrange
• Accommodates .177, .20, and .22 caliber pellets as well as standard BBs
• Heavy metal construction withstands repeated target impacts in backyards

Cons

• Backyard target accessory that does not eliminate nuisance pigeons
• Ground stake stability and maximum recommended shooting distances are unstated

11

Birchwood Casey Gallery Resetting Airgun Target

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  8.2
• Brand
  Birchwood Casey

Key specs2

Reset Mechanism

Mechanical auto-reset

Practice Application

Gallery-style steel paddles reset on impact to build consistent trigger control for pest dispatch.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Gallery-style mechanical reset drops targets back into place after a center hit
• Built specifically to handle airgun pellet impacts during zeroing drills
• Compact steel structure sets up quickly on outdoor ranges or barn floors

Cons

• Practice accessory only and cannot resolve active bird infestations
• Maximum caliber and velocity limits are not listed in the specifications

12

JolliLudo 4 Pcs BB Gun Targets Set Steel Hunting and

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  8.4
• Brand
  JolliLudo

Key specs2

Silhouette Designs

Bear, bird, squirrel, rabbit

Target Material

Constructed from heavy steel to handle practice impacts from air rifles, BB guns, and slingshots.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Includes four distinct steel targets featuring bird and small game silhouettes
• Versatile design withstands impacts from air rifles, BB guns, and slingshots
• Individual silhouettes allow shooters to set up varied practice distances

Cons

• Standalone target pack that provides no bird-removal capability
• Mounting hardware and anchoring instructions are omitted from the data

13

Atflbox Metal Prairie Dog Air Gun Pellet BB Guns Rimfire

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  8.5
• Brand
  Atflbox

Key specs2

Target Profile

Prairie dog silhouette

Impact Rating

Engineered to withstand rimfire rounds as well as .177 and .22 caliber airgun pellets.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Prairie dog shape simulates small pest targets to sharpen marksmanship
• Mechanical reset system saves time by resetting without manual adjustment
• Heavy metal build is rated for .177 and .22 caliber airguns plus rimfire

Cons

• Target accessory only and cannot be used to clear roosting pigeons
• Frame dimensions and plate thickness are not specified by the seller

14

Gamo Urban PCP Air Rifle, 22 Caliber, Black

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  8.4
• Brand
  Gamo

Key specs3

Sound Moderation

Whisper Fusion suppressor

Muzzle Velocity

Up to 1100 fps (alloy)

Scope Mounting

Machined with 11mm dovetail grooves to accept aftermarket scopes for roof-eave targeting.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Whisper Fusion sound moderation keeps shots quiet around suburban homes and neighbors
• Heavy .22 caliber velocity reaches up to 1100 fps with alloy pellets for decisive pest control
• Built-in 11mm dovetail grooves provide a solid base for mounting high-angle scopes
• Moderate 6.6-pound weight allows steady aiming when tracking birds along high eaves

Cons

• Scope is not included and must be purchased separately to shoot accurately at height
• PCP fill pump or scuba charging equipment is not included in the package

15

Atflbox Pellet Gun Target Animal Silhouette Heavy Metal Spinner Airgun

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  8.3
• Brand
  Atflbox

Key specs2

Paddle Action

Heavy metal spinner

Caliber Limitation

Rated specifically for .177 and .20 caliber projectiles, excluding larger .22 pellets.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Heavy metal spinning paddles give clear visual feedback upon pellet impact
• Animal silhouette profile builds marksmanship skills on pest-sized targets
• Rated for .177 and .20 caliber airgun pellets and BBs

Cons

• Not rated for .22 caliber hunting pellets according to manufacturer specs
• Practice target only with no direct role in pigeon population removal

16

BOOLIT EYE .17 Cal Special Laser Boresighter End Barrel Laser

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  9.7
• Brand
  BOOLIT EYE

Key specs2

Optic Zeroing Aid

Laser bore alignment

Bore Compatibility

Installs into .17 caliber barrels to align crosshairs before live-fire zeroing.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• End-barrel laser fitting aligns scope reticles quickly without firing live rounds
• Fits .17 caliber rifles, air guns, revolvers, and pistols
• Saves expensive pellets and reduces loud sighting shots near neighbors

Cons

• Preliminary alignment tool that does not account for pellet trajectory drop
• Restricted to .17 caliber barrels and cannot be used with .22 air rifles

17

Umarex Strikepoint .22 Caliber Airgun Pistol

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  9.2
• Brand
  Umarex

Key specs2

Caliber Advantage

.22 caliber pellet

Rafter Mobility

Handgun form factor delivers .22 caliber energy into hard-to-reach roosts without the bulk of a full-length stock.

Pros & cons33

Pros

• Larger .22 caliber pellet carries more frontal mass than .177 equivalents
• Handgun profile fits into tight barn rafters, sheds, and equipment bays
• Multi-pump pneumatic mechanism functions without buying CO2 cartridges

Cons

• Handgun layout lacks a shoulder buttstock to steady aim on high rooflines
• Multi-pump stroke requires manual work before every single round
• Velocity and maximum fill pumps are not provided in the specifications

18

Gamo Swarm Gen2 Inertia Air Rifle .22 Bone Collector

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  7.3
• Brand
  Gamo

Key specs3

Reload Technology

GEN3i Rapid Reload

Muzzle Velocity

1100 fps (.22 caliber)

Warranty Coverage

One year limited

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Reaches 1100 fps in .22 caliber to deliver deep penetration on tough pigeon feathers
• GEN3i Rapid Reload technology enables fast multi-shot feeding from a magazine
• Full-length 46-inch rifle profile provides stability when aiming at steep angles
• Backed by a one-year limited warranty from the manufacturer

Cons

• Product data does not list included sights or scopes, requiring user verification
• Break-barrel cocking effort and overall weight are not detailed in the listing

19

Crosman 760 Pumpmaster, Pink Stock air rifle

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  9.1
• Brand
  Crosman

Key specs2

Stock Styling

Pink synthetic finish

Pumping Mechanism

Variable pump compression lets shooters adjust velocity for backyard target practice.

Pros & cons33

Pros

• Variable pump pneumatic system lets users tailor power to target distance
• Dual-ammo firing shoots both steel BBs and .177 caliber pellets
• Lightweight air rifle design is easy to shoulder and aim

Cons

• Bright pink stock finish offers zero concealment when stalking wary birds
• Manual multi-pump action between shots is slow and can spook roosting pigeons
• Lacks an included optic for targeting small bird vitals at high angles

20

Umarex Multi-Shot Air Gun Spinning Target - Includes 80 Paper

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  7.9
• Brand
  Umarex

Key specs2

Bundled Targets

80 paper targets included

Feedback Mechanism

Combines reactive spinning steel paddles with 80 replaceable paper targets for zeroing and marksmanship.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Includes 80 paper targets for precise group zeroing before field shooting
• Reactive metal spinning paddles provide instant auditory and visual hit feedback
• Compact target frame sets up easily in backyards and indoor ranges

Cons

• Training accessory that cannot clear nuisance birds out of eaves
• Caliber and maximum velocity ratings are not stated in the listing

Last update on 2026-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Is .177 or .22 caliber better for dropping nuisance pigeons cleanly?

A .22 caliber pellet is generally the better option for dropping pigeons on the first shot, but an expanding .177 pellet also works well with precise head or vitals placement. Pigeons have dense chest plumage and tough breastbones that can deflect light projectiles or result in wounded birds fluttering into wall voids. High-velocity rifles like the Gamo Swarm Gen2 push a 0.22 caliber pellet at speeds up to 1100.00 ft/sec to ensure clean penetration through thick feather layers.

If you choose a .177 rifle such as the Crosman 1077 RepeatAir, using pellets with an expanding tip hollow point design helps the projectile mushroom on impact to transfer maximum energy. For roofline pests, verify your pellet style and grain weight on the manufacturer packaging to balance penetration against the risk of puncturing metal eaves or roof sheeting.

How quiet does an air rifle need to be around suburban homes and outbuildings?

An air rifle used near residential properties should be quiet enough to prevent disturbing neighbors and to keep the rest of the flock from scattering immediately. Built-in dampening systems like Gamo's Whisper Fusion sound moderation help suppress muzzle report, which keeps roosting birds calmer between shots. Standard unmoderated spring rifles produce a loud mechanical snap that alerts pigeons across the entire roofline.

Sound output varies depending on the power plant and whether the barrel is baffled or shrouded. Always verify local noise ordinances and confirm whether your selected rifle includes integrated muzzle moderation before shooting near shared fence lines.

Do you need a multi-shot repeating air rifle or is a single-shot break barrel enough?

A single-shot rifle is sufficient for deliberate, single-bird clearing, but a repeating mechanism is much better when dealing with flocks roosting in rafters. Break-barrel rifles require manual reloading after every shot, which creates movement that can spook nervous birds before you chamber another pellet. Multi-shot options like the Gamo Swarm Gen2 use an inertia-fed system that automatically chambers the next round when cocked.

For even faster shooting, semi-automatic platforms like the CO2-powered Crosman 1077 RepeatAir let you fire without manually cycling a barrel between rounds. If you prefer a lighter, manageable single-shot rifle for younger family members helping with property maintenance, review our guide to the best air rifles for younger shooters to verify cocking effort and fit.

What velocity is required to ensure humane pigeon removal?

Pest pigeons require enough velocity to pierce outer feathers cleanly without bouncing off muscle or bone. High-powered break barrels reach speeds up to 1100.00 ft/sec in 0.22 caliber, providing ample energy for roosting distances. Moderate-power setups like the Gamo Urban PCP fire .22 caliber steel BBs at speeds up to 480 feet per second for close-range work where you must avoid over-penetration.

Always check the manufacturer velocity specifications for the exact ammo material you plan to load. Lightweight alloy pellets will yield higher listed feet-per-second ratings, but heavier lead shapes maintain their energy better downrange.

What sighting setup works best for targeting pigeons in high eaves and rafters?

An optical scope such as a 4 x 32 optic is superior to standard open sights when aiming at high eave angles and shaded barn corners. Combo models like the Stoeger S3000-C include both fiber-optic sights and a 4 x 32 scope to accommodate varied lighting. Open sights tend to cover up small vitals when you aim upward into roof peaks, making precise shot placement difficult.

Shooting at steep upward angles changes your trajectory and point of impact compared to level ground. Confirm your zero at your actual expected shooting distance and rafter height before targeting roosting birds.

Should you choose a pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) rifle or a spring break barrel?

Break-barrel rifles offer simple, self-contained operation without extra air equipment, while pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) systems offer recoil-free shooting that makes high-angle rafter shots much steadier. Complete PCP kits like the Crosman C3622SKT include a hand pump and an all-weather synthetic stock, giving you the precision benefits of PCP power without needing expensive external tanks.

While heavy-duty pest management tools like a dedicated PCP shotgun platform handle larger predators over wide acreage, a precision .22 or .177 air rifle prevents structural damage to eaves, vinyl siding, and barn paneling.